Academics

RIS Academics are organized into three tracks: Western Academic Studies (WAS), Language Acquisition Studies (LAS), and Juku. Western Academic Studies follows a comprehensive western based curriculum with both mainstream subjects and electives, Language Acquisition Classes are divided into English as a Foreign Language (EFL) and English as a Second Language (ESL). We also offer Juku for all subjects and grades.

Schedules can be flexible. Integration across the tracks is encouraged and tailored to suit a student’s individual needs. Additionally, our materials are extensive, diverse, and creative in nature making use of both traditional resources and modern technologies. Our academic programs are designed to prepare students, not only for the world in which we live today, but more importantly the dynamic world of the future which will be filled with many challenges foreseen and yet to be known.

To face such challenges students will need be flexible and creative. They will need the academic, organizational, and time management skills to adapt to an ever changing world. RIS Academics focus on a skills based, student centered approach with differentiated instruction using Socratic methodologies. Our goal is to develop student’s self-sufficiency and a love for learning.

Academic

Western Academic Studies courses are offered on a full time, part time, and seminar basis. Classes are taught from preschool though high school level with tutoring available for university students. Core subjects include social studies, language arts, math, science, and computer applications. We offer a variety of electives centered around student interests and academic needs.

Language Acquisition Classes (LAS)

Language Acquisition Classes follow western based methodologies and use a variety of materials and computer applications. For Japanese based English studies please see the Juku section.

The English as a Foreign Language (EFL) section is for students who focus their studies primarily in the classroom and through the use of academic materials.

The English as a Second Language (ESL) section is for students who choose to use English outside the classroom through the wide variety of opportunities available to them as Japan takes its place in the modern global and advanced technological world. It is important to understand that anyone can take advantage of such opportunities and we are here to help our students realize this dream.

EFL / English as a Foreign Language

Guiding Principles​

English as a Foreign Language is the entry level program designed to familiarize students with core components and skills needed to acquire the English language. The EFL environment is offered primarily in English with bilingual support and a vehicle for understanding and confidence building. Students should learn to “think in English” for limited key language elements as a vital means for progress. The Bilingual community - While there is ample opportunity for EFL students to interact in a native English environment and with native English materials, the EFL student chooses to limit their exposure with such experiences often due to shyness or lack of confidence. One of the main goals of RIS is to help students overcome any issues that prevent them from entering the bilingual world.

Core Components​

Balanced Approach: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing Academic: EFL studies emphasizes English acquisition through the classroom experience and limited exposure to a native English Environment. Communicative: Emphasis on using simple vocabulary and grammar structures to demonstrate leveled understanding Real World Application: Use of English in a native environment or with native resources is encouraged as a method to understand the student’s level and improvement over time

Skills​

Social: The EFL student works to confidently use English in the academic setting and is encouraged to expand English use into the native English environment. Academic: Basic computer, organizational, and study skills support language acquisition and are encouraged as part of the EFL program.

ESL / English as a Second Language

Guiding Principles​

English as a Second Language (ESL) is the bilingual transition program designed for those students who want native fluency in English. The ESL environment is varied from such activities as travel, homestays, and returnee experiences etc. However, the most important factor is the use of English in the ESL student's daily life through a variety of native English opportunities available at RIS, in the Japanese community, and at home. The Bilingual Community - English is the language of the world. For Japan to succeed in the modern era, it must take advantage of this very useful tool. Today, there are so many wonderful opportunities in Japan to understand and use English. English is everywhere if we simply look and choose to use it in our daily lives. This is a key path to a bilingual culture for Japan.

Core Components​

Balanced Approach: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing Academic: Use of advanced language acquisition methodologies and native English resources Communicative: Emphasis on functionality over perfection. Making oneself understood is half the battle. The EFL students understands there are many levels of fluency. Real World Application: Use of English in a native environment and with native resources while in Japan and abroad.

Skills

Social: The ESL student is confident about using emergent English in its native environment and with native resources. Academic: Basic computer, organizational, and study skills support language acquisition as a necessary a part of the ESL program.

Juku

The RIS Juku program is for students who need to study for Japanese style instruction including midterm / final exams at school, basic supports for classes, and entrance exams for junior and senior high school as well as university.

Our juku is very flexible. What a student studies is dependent on student’s needs which can vary from week to week depending of their school coursework. Japanese jukus tend to be quite strict in terms of scheduling and what subjects a student can take and usually requires a signing up for additional class or going through a administrative process. One of the main goals of our program is to lead students to a level of where they know what they need to study and how to study. It can be a great opportunity to learn planning, time management and organizational processes as well. In addition to the normal lessons, we also offer intensive classes during long breaks and additional classes before exams at the student’s discretion .

This program was developed to encourage students to keep taking English classes at RIS even when they are busy with Juku and club activities. It saves time and reduces stress if students can take both western style English and Juku lessons at the same school. We support our students that are obligated to study for Japanese style exams for all subjects and particularly English exams which focus on grammar, memorization, and translation. However, by keeping the RIS natural English program our students benefit learning useful English, having a higher confidence for their English exams, and more time to study other subjects.

RIS Juku offers a positive and rewarding Juku experience for all.

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JES

JES - Japanese English Studies

Guiding Principles​

Japanese English Studies is a program designed to support students trying to pass the English tests common to the Japanese educational system given by both public and private schools, and testing organizations. Japanese education in general emphasizes the "teaching to the test" philosophy. Additionally, the Japanese English learning methodology is heavily weighted towards translation, memorization, and grammar.

Core Components​

Learning is tied to Japanese curriculum standards and testing for application to Japanese educational institutions. Primary focus is on reading and writing comprehension, translation, and grammar. Additionally, listening and speaking is taught for students wishing to progress in EIKEN or TOEIC levels.

Skills​

Memorization Translation Examination Communication where required

Expectations​

The students will: JES students wishing to prepare for Japanese junior high school, high school, and university exams will memorize, translate, and study grammar components common to such tests JES students wishing to study EIKEN and TOEIC will focus on specific vocabulary, test components and test taking strategies common to the individual tests. Students are expected to follow the study plans designed by RIS staff with a positive attitude.

Outcomes​

The students will: Students who follow a clearly defined study plan, invest the time necessary, and have a positive attitude should succeed in obtaining their desired test score. Every student is an individual and brings a unique set of abilities to the table. Students should have a realistic expectation of what is possible given their specific attitude and attributes. Our goal at RIS is to help the students "work hard", "work smart", and succeed.